The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra is closing its classical season this weekend with a performance of Ravel's "Bolero" that won a standing, cheering ovation Friday evening.

Guest conductor Gilbert Varga led the orchestra through a well-constructed program that also included: Mozart's "Overture to 'Le nozze di Figaro'" ("The Marriage of Figaro"); Tchaikovsky's Concerto in D major for violin and orchestra, featuring guest violinist Karen Gomyo; and Kodály's "Dances of Galánta." | June 7, 2014»Read Full Article

Just after intermission in the production of Stephen Sondheim's "Follies" now being staged by Soulstice Theatre, Heidi Schiller — oldest among the pre-World War II showgirls attending a one-time reunion — begins to warble an operetta-like tune from her heyday.

Playing the older Heidi, Amanda Hull sings that we must never look back. But of course Heidi looks, remembering the ravishing young performer she'd once been, when she could hit every note in songs like this one. Which the suddenly materialized younger Heidi (a lovely Julianne Frey) then easily does, singing of the bittersweet passage of time — something a young Heidi can't possibly feel as acutely as her older self does. | June 7, 2014»Read Full Article

Key performances

The 2014 North American Piano Competition is taking place this week in Milwaukee. Semifinalists will perform recitals and in master classes through Wednesday when the final concert and awards will be given out. Today there will be recitals featuring the pianists performing with members of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra starting at 8:15 a.m. and continuing till 7 p.m., with master classes at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. These are open to the public ($15); they take place at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, 1584 N. Prospect Ave. Another master class for the semifinalists will be at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday (free admission), with recitals by visiting artists at 7:30 p.m. (tickets $20 for adults, $15 students). These are also held at the conservatory. On Wednesday, the artists move to the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, 929 N. Water St., with free solo performances at 6 p.m. in the Anello Atrium. Then the three finalists will perform with the MSO in Uihlein Hall (tickets: $15, adults; $10, students; $30, box seats) at 7:30 p.m. | June 7, 2014»Read Full Article